How Matthews Handles Building Safety: A Practical Guide
Matthews maintains 113 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with building safety. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Matthews falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Elevator Maintenance
Residential and commercial elevators in Matthews regulated by NC Department of Labor, Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau under NCGS 95-110.5 et seq. Annual inspections required; certificates of operation must be posted.
Key details: Authority: NC Dept of Labor. Statute: NCGS 95-110.5. Inspection: Annual commercial. Code: ASME A17.1. Certificate: Must be posted.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Matthews's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed
Matthews requires scaffolding on commercial and multi-story residential projects to meet NC State Building Code and OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L standards. Building permits issued by Matthews Planning and Development cover temporary scaffold erection adjacent to public rights-of-way.
Key details: Code: NC State Building Code + OSHA 1926 L. Permit: Matthews Planning and Development. Guardrails: 38-45 inches on platforms over 10 ft. Power line clearance: 10 feet from Duke Energy lines. ROW: Encroachment permit for sidewalk scaffolds.
OSHA citations range from $15,625 per serious violation to $156,259 for willful violations. Town stop-work orders halt projects until corrections pass re-inspection. Scaffolds blocking ADA sidewalk access face code enforcement citations.
Pest Control
Matthews enforces Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement housing standards requiring rental and owner-occupied properties to be free of rodent, roach, termite, and mosquito infestations. NC Structural Pest Control Act (NCGS 106-65.22) licenses pest control operators through the NC Department of Agriculture.
Key details: Code: Minimum Housing Code (Matthews + Meck County). Licensing: NCGS 106-65.22 Structural Pest Control Act. Rodent entry gap: Seal openings over 1/4 inch. Mosquitoes: Eliminate standing water. Fine: Up to 100 dollars per day.
Civil penalties up to 100 dollars per day for continuing housing code violations. Mecklenburg County may place liens on properties for unabated infestations. Unlicensed pest control work violates NCGS 106-65.27 carrying Class 2 misdemeanor charges.
Lead Paint
Matthews follows federal EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule for pre-1978 homes. NC DHHS Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program enforces state lead hazard rules under NCGS 130A-131.5 et seq.
Key details: RRP Rule: Pre-1978 homes. Certified Firm: Required. Disclosure: 42 USC 4852d. State Law: NCGS 130A-131.5. Authority: EPA + NC DHHS.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Matthews's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
The Bottom Line
Matthews is tougher than many cities when it comes to building safety. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Matthews, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
Keep in mind that Matthews can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.